Retirement plan contribution limits increase for 2020
Annual contribution limits for 401(k) plans will increase from $19,000 in 2019 to $19,500 in 2020, and most other limits are increasing as well.
Personal Financial Planning
Employing family members
Wages and benefits paid to a family member who is a bona fide employee can help reduce a business’s tax liability.
IRS issues 2019 to 2020 per-diem rates for traveling away from home
The IRS issued its annual notice specifying the special per-diem rates, including the transportation industry meal and incidental expenses rates, the rate for the incidental-expenses-only deduction, and the rates and list of high-cost localities for purposes of the high-low substantiation method.
Taxpayer can deduct settlement payment to ex-husband
The Eleventh Circuit holds a taxpayer is entitled to a deduction under Sec. 1341 for a payment made to reimburse her ex-spouse for a portion of a settlement in an excess-compensation lawsuit.
Trust planning opportunities available with swap powers
The inclusion of swap powers is a common method of qualifying a trust as a grantor trust for income tax purposes while still removing assets from the grantor’s taxable estate.
Unexpected tax bills for simple trusts after tax reform
Post-TCJA, expenses that are miscellaneous itemized deductions are taken into account in computing trust accounting income but are now nondeductible in computing taxable income and distributable net income for the trust.
Current developments in individual taxation
This article is a semiannual review of recent developments in individual federal taxation, covering cases, rulings, and guidance on a variety of topics.
HRAs can be integrated with individual health plans
The IRS issued final regulations on health reimbursement arrangements, which may be offered to individuals as individual coverage HRAs and integrated into health insurance plans.
Estate planning for digital assets
A well-drafted estate plan should address the management and distribution of digital assets to mitigate additional administrative burdens on fiduciaries.
Estate planning for the other 99%
The implications of the TJCA's large increase in the estate and gift tax exemption are complex and affect estate planning for everyone, not just the small percentage of the population who will still file estate tax returns.
Using trusts to shift income to children
Use of a Sec. 2503(c) or minor’s trust allows for transfers of property (and income shifting) to children, while parents maintain control of the property at least until the child reaches age 21.
Financing opportunities for medical expenses incurred by children with special needs
This article focuses on two resources often used in financing medical care: home equity loans and distributions from retirement plans and IRAs.
Spotlight on life settlement transactions: Getting the best value
The sale of life insurance policies, commonly referred to as life settlement transactions, is becoming an increasingly popular and heavily marketed way for policy owners to realize the value in their life insurance policies. This article discusses the financial and tax ramifications of life settlement transactions and how CPAs can help clients obtain the best results from them.
De-mystifying geriatric care managers
CPA financial planners can use these approaches to help clients avoid delays and expensive mistakes in providing top-quality care for loved ones dealing with issues from aging or dementia.
Missed opportunities in estate planning: Beyond wills and trusts
An estate plan is incomplete without a detailed list of instructions that explains how to carry it out.
Educating students for expanded financial planning careers
The AICPA is integrating personal financial planning into university-level curriculum in a manner that would help prepare prospective CPA candidates to qualify for the Personal Financial Specialist credential shortly after obtaining their CPA license.
Divorce post-TCJA: unexpected consequences
This article discusses changes that might affect clients that are divorced, are in the process of divorcing, or that have prenuptial or post-nuptial agreements.
Whether to choose a 529 or a Roth IRA to fund education expenses
This article discusses options available to clients to help pay for their children's or grandchildren’s education.
Top seven mistakes when claiming Social Security benefits
CPA financial planners need to consider their clients’ unique circumstances and help them avoid mistakes that could lead to the wrong decision.
Financial planning dialogues around Form 1040
A Form 1040 review with clients can facilitate a discussion on strategies to address major tax law changes.
